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Mary Jane McHale Winkler, 87, of Andalusia, formerly of Geneva, New York, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in her home surrounded by loved ones.

Mary Jane was born in Geneva, New York, on August 15, 1936, to James and Mary Jane McHale.

She was their youngest child with two brothers, James Joseph (Rita) McHale (deceased) of Newark, New York, and Robert Thomas (Joan) McHale (deceased) of Rush, New York.

Mary Jane graduated from De Sales High School in Geneva, New York, and St Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Elmira, New York. Mary Jane received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and later completed her master’s from Troy University.

While attending Alabama, she met and married the love of her life Charles Fredrick Winkler of Greenville, Alabama. After graduating college, their early years were spent in St. Petersburg, Florida prior to moving to Andalusia in 1969. They shared 58 years of loving marriage until his death in 2020.

Mary Jane truly loved Andalusia and its caring community where she was an active volunteer after retiring from the Alabama Department of Public Health. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and spending time with family and friends. Mary Jane was a dedicated member of Christ the King Catholic Church.

Mary Jane would light up any occasion with her jokes and vibrant personality, especially when she would start a phrase with “I am a New Yorker, Irish, Catholic.” If anyone ever had the opportunity to be in Mary Jane’s presence, they would surely understand she is now in heaven with her loved one’s dancing and having a ball.

Mary Jane is survived by five daughters: Julie Kane (Tim) of Pensacola, Linda Pope (Max) of Birmingham, Mary Morton of Orange Beach, Alabama, Deana Winkler of Andalusia, and Meredith McDaniel (Jeff) of Birmingham. She is also a grandmother to ten.

A special thank you and deepest of gratitude to Kassidy Powell Lee to whom Mary Jane loved dearly as a sixth daughter and Melissa Little, both devoted and loving caretakers. Also, a sincere thank you to Enhabit Hospice for their kindness and support during this time.

Visitation was held on Thursday, July 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Foreman Brown Funeral Home, 1516 Martin Luther Jr. Expressway, Andalusia, Alabama.

Funeral services for Mrs. Winkler were Friday, July 26, 10 a.m., at the Christ the King Catholic Church, 508 Sanford Road, Andalusia, Alabama.

Graveside services were Friday, 1 p.m., at Magnolia Cemetery, 119 East Commerce Street, Greenville, Alabama.

Those unable to attend may sign the guestbook at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.